little or no oxygen a large amount of carbon dioxide water vapour small amounts of other gases, such as ammonia and methane Scientists cannot be sure about the early atmosphere since it formed so ...

F. Theoretical constraints on oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the Precambrian atmosphere. Precambrian Research 34, 205–229 (1987). Kasting, J. F. Earth’s early atmosphere.

A new approach for modeling these reactions, developed by a team led by scientists at Penn State, may improve our understanding of the atmosphere on early Earth and help in the search for ...

This model reveals how vastly different the atmosphere was on ancient Earth, and how life may have first emerged. The key to unlocking the secrets of distant planets starts right here on Earth.